U.S. Reining Team Announced for 2006 WEG

June 26, 2006 -- The U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named the reining team, sponsored by Adequan, that will represent the United States in the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games held in Aachen, Germany, from August 20 to September 3, 2006, with reining competition being held September 1 and 3. The four horse-and-rider combinations and alternates are as follows:

Matt Mills, of Scottsdale, Ariz., riding Easy Otie Whiz, a seven-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, owned by Out West Stallion Station and Bobbie Cook

The team was decided based on their rankings at in the 2006 Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship held June 25 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. Matt Mills won the championship aboard Easy Otie Whiz. Aaron Ralston and Tim McQuay tied for second with a score of 229.5.

"It means a lot to me. Just the company that I am in now, you've got two of the most celebrated, most famous riders in National Reining Horse Association on the team, and it's nice to be sitting there next to them. You know, it makes you feel good," said Mills.

Chef d'Equipe Jeff Petska is looking forward to sharing the experience of another gold medal with the team.

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"After being fortunate enough to win the Gold in 2002 and to stand in that arena and hear the national anthem being played and knowing you had, my part in it was minute compared to the riders, but even with the role I played, just to stand in that arena and see them raise your flag and play that national anthem... I hope these guys get that opportunity," he said. "It's something that growing up you watch the Olympics, and you watch and see folks stand on that podium...it's an awesome feeling. I think we've got a strong enough group that we can take a good, hard run at it."

Visit EquiSearch.com for exclusive coverage from the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

McLain Ward and Beezie Madden put in clear rounds to give the U.S. the jumping silver medal at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Plus, U.S. reiner Matt Mills weighs in on how it feels to be at the Games.